An elderly Middletown woman suffered minor scrapes after a man tried to snatch her purse at the parking lot of Dove Run Shopping Center off Route 299. The incident occurred on Wednesday at approximately 9 p.m., according to Middletown Police.

The 71-year-old woman and her husband were loading groceries into their car when a Caucasian male between the ages of 20 to 25 attempted to take the female’s purse.

According to the police report, the woman felt someone pull at the purse she had on her shoulder. The woman immediately yelled and clutched her bag, refusing to let go. During the brief struggle she was knocked to the ground.

Upon hearing the screams the victim’s husband and other shoppers ran towards the suspect who fled without the purse.

Police said the suspect got into an older, dark colored, four-door sedan bearing a Maryland tag. The vehicle was operated by a Caucasian female 20 to 25 years of age with blond hair that had an orange or pink streak.

The elderly woman was transported to the Middletown Emergency Room at Christiana Medical Center where she was treated for minor scrapes and released.

Police are searching for the suspect who is described as being 5’6” to 5’10” in height with an average build, short blond hair, and no facial hair. They are also looking for the female driver of the vehicle he fled in.

Anyone having any information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Ronald Davis at 376-9950 or 573-2800. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.